Estimates of Canada’s natural gas reserves vary, but the country has substantial reserves that are expected to last several decades or more. The exact duration depends on factors like production rates and consumption patterns.
A rolling blackout, also known as rotational load shedding or planned power outages, is an emergency procedure used by power companies to manage the supply of electricity across the grid when the demand exceeds the supply. This can occur during extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves or severe cold snaps, when consumers use more electricity for cooling or heating than usual. It can also happen if there is a power generation shortfall due to unexpected power station shutdowns or a deficit in fuel supply
Energy retailers play a significant role in driving market competition by offering a range of energy plans, pricing options, and service packages. This diversity not only gives consumers more choices but also encourages other market players to innovate and improve their services to remain competitive. The competition can lead to better pricing, more efficient services, and the development of consumer-friendly features.
To choose an energy provider, start by assessing your energy needs and priorities, considering factors like consumption, renewable energy options, and pricing structures. Research available providers in your area, reading customer reviews and recommendations to gauge their reputation. Compare rates, contract terms, and any renewable energy options that align with your preferences. Assess customer service quality and look for additional services or benefits, such as energy efficiency audits. Understand billing and payment methods and carefully review contract terms and fees. Seek recommendations from others and contact providers directly to ask questions. Once you’ve gathered this information, make an informed choice that suits your needs and preferences while keeping an eye on potential switching procedures if you’re changing providers.
A smart metre is an advanced metre that records your energy usage in real-time and sends the information to your utility company automatically. It allows you to monitor your energy usage and costs more accurately, and eliminates the need for manual metre readings. Smart metres also enable utilities to offer more innovative pricing plans, such as time-of-use tariffs, which charge different rates depending on the time of day or season.
The delivery charge that you see on your bill covers the upkeep cost of the infrastructure that is used to deliver the energy to your home. The delivery charge is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). For electricity, this includes power lines and transformers, and for natural gas, this includes pipelines and compressor stations. Visit our blog to learn more about what fees are included in your power bill.
An energy retailer and an energy distributor are two distinct entities involved in the delivery of energy to end-users, such as households and businesses.
An energy retailer is a company that buys energy from the wholesale market and sells it directly to consumers. They offer various plans, including fixed-rate and variable-rate pricing options.
In contrast, an energy distributor is responsible for transporting energy from the source, such as a power plant or natural gas pipeline, to consumers. They own and operate the infrastructure, like power lines and gas pipelines, that are required to maintain the energy grid. The government regulates energy distributors to ensure that they provide reliable service and maintain safety standards.
Peace Power is an energy retailer that buys electricity and natural gas wholesale from the competitive energy market in Alberta and sells it to customers. We provide retail services such as billing, usage reconciliation, and customer service. The delivery charge rates you see on your bill are set by energy distributors, like ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric, and are regulated and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). Energy distributors also respond to emergencies and outages to maintain the energy grid.
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